Guatemala
Restricted entry
Entry and transit is refused to deportees of other countries who are not nationals of Guatemala. Nationals of some countries require special authorization from the Department of Immigration in Guatemala before they are granted a visa; nationals of these countries will need to make their application in Guatemala, through a person, company or institution that will be responsible for that person's stay in Guatemala. Authorization from Guatemala will take two to five weeks and applicants are also required to attend an interview at the Consulate. For an up-to-date list of nationalities, enquire at the nearest Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy).
Passports
Passport valid for at least six months required by all.Visas
Required by all except the following:
(a) nationals of countries referred to in the chart above (also including French Overseas Territories);
(b) nationals of Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guam, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep), Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic of), Madagascar, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Qatar, Romania, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, San Marino, São Tomé e Príncipe, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan (China), Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City and Venezuela;
(c) transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country by the same or first connecting aircraft within eight hours, provided holding tickets with confirmed onward reservations and not leaving the transit area.Types of visa and cost
Visitor/Tourist: US$43 (single-entry); US$86 (multiple-entry). Business: US$86 (multiple-entry). Transit: US$17 Validity
Visitor/Tourist: 90 days from date of entry. Business: 180 days from date of entry. Visas must be used within 30 days of issue.Application to
Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Passport/Visa Information.Application requirements
Visitor/Tourist: (a) Two application forms. (b) Two passport-size photos. (c) Valid passport. (d) Onward or return ticket. (e) Stamped, self-addressed, registered envelope (if applying by post). (f) Bank or Credit Card statements for at least three months. Business: (a)-(e) and, (f) Letter from applicant’s company in duplicate, indicating the nature and status of the company as well as the applicant’s planned activities.Working days required
Two to three.
No Test Required
US$30. 24-hour transit passengers are exempt.
Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala in the UK
13 Fawcett Street, London SW10 9HN, UK
Tel: (020) 7351 3042.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700; 1000-1300 only for walk in queries (consular section).
The Embassy also handles tourism queries.Embassy of the Republic of Guatemala in the USA
2220 R Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 745 4952.
Website: www.guatemala-embassy.org
Guatemala is slowly recovering from the effect of Hurricane Stan, which brought intensive rains and landslides in October 2005. It forced the Guatemalan Government to declare a national emergency. There is still potential for further flooding and landslides. The Southern coast from Mexico to El Salvador, the highland departments of Quetzaltenango and Huehuetenango and the Soloa/Atitlan area are the most affected. The village of Panabay and the town of Tzanchaj were completely buried. The Guatemalan Government is advising against travel to these areas. Roads are being rehabilitated but delays can still occur as many roads and bridges have been swept away and many of the main highways are impassable. Much of the country is without electricity and/or telephone services. Travelers should be on their guard and exercise great caution as violent crime is common throughout Guatemala, and has affected tourists.
Travelers should avoid traveling at night or visiting remote places unaccompanied.
Travelers should avoid traveling on some roads in Guatemala, because of criminal attacks on cars and buses.
The threat from terrorism is low, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice: British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel
